Seven things it's really, really better NOT to do to your face.

Don’t make these (super common) mistakes.

When your days are filled with endless demands on your time and energy, it’s easy to neglect your skincare routine.

What starts with a few mishaps or moments of ‘letting things slide’, can eventually evolve into a lack of care for our skin that can have long-lasting effects.

If you’ve found yourself falling into any of these habits, it might be time for an overhaul of your skincare routine.

Here are the top seven deadly sins of skincare that you need to avoid.

1. Scalding hot showers.

Although there is a strong temptation in winter especially to languish in long, scorching hot showers, as you turn your face up into the stream of water, ask yourself: would you wash your face with water at this temperature? Of course not.

Water that is overly hot can strip your skin of its natural defences against dryness and environmental irritants, undoing the benefits of your shower.

If your skin is sensitive, try and adjust your shower temperature to a level that is warm enough to be comfortable, but no hotter.

2. Failing to compensate for office environments.

For those of us who work in office environments, we can become immune to the impact of daily heating and cooling that can wreak havoc on our skin. Often compounded by a lack of natural light and fresh air, offices can be enemies of radiant, hydrated skin.

Counter the effects of your office environment by drinking lots of water and having some products at hand, such as a water spray for your face. The Avène Thermal Spring Water spray has unique properties that help it to soothe and calm sensitive skin.

3. Not eating for your skin.

Have you ever noticed a few days after your eating habits go awry, so does your skin? If you have sensitive skin, you will learn over time which food types flare up your skin and cause breakouts. It may be sugary foods, or greasy, fatty foods that upset the balance in your skin.

Focus instead on consuming foods rich in vitamin E such as avocados and almonds, and antioxidant infused berries and vegetables like sweet potato and broccoli.

4. Using the wrong skincare products for sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin requires more than just regular skincare products. If you have skin that is prone to dehydration and irritation, you need a product that is soothing, gentle and richly hydrating.

Avène’s new Skin Recovery Cream is a daily moisturiser developed especially for sensitive skin. It is entirely preservative free, and does not contain any hidden preservatives like alcohol or essential oils, the only one of its kind on the market. Nice.

5. Not getting enough sleep.

Sleep is natural restorer for our skin, and all of our body’s systems. Regularly skipping a full night’s rest can result in tired skin that sags and is dull, and lacks vitality, which over time can lead to premature ageing. Getting a proper night’s rest is an important building block for your skin’s health, and a great way to press reset on the day.

Make your bedroom your sanctuary, and create a bedtime routine for yourself that incorporates good skincare and removes external stimulations such as your phone or other electronic devices.

 6. Not including your neck and décolletage in your skincare routine.

Many of us fall into the trap of ending the care of our skin at our jawline, neglecting care of the neck and décolletage.

Ensure you extend the products you use right down to your décolletage to maximise the benefits to your skin, and care for the delicate areas of the neck and chest.

 7. Relying on makeup wipes to cleanse.

It’s easy to convince yourself that simply wiping away your makeup means you’ve cleansed your skin. It doesn’t. A gentle, effective cleanse removes toxins and refreshes the skin, preparing it for moisturiser application.

For sensitive skin, look for cleansers that use a minimal amount of ingredients like the Avène’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser.

How do you take care of your skin?